When is gambling a sin

The game must be fair and all players must have an equal chance of winning. In justice, the player's gambling must not prevent him from meeting his obligations to support himself or his family, pay his debts, or fulfill other responsibilities. Consequently, a person must be careful not to become addicted to gambling, because of its excitement or the possibility of making "quick, easy, big money.

Moreover, a gambler should always weigh whether that money could be better used for something of clear, tangible benefit. Even a wealthy person who may have great disposable income must use moderation, recognizing that the money risked on frivolous gambling could be used to help those less fortunate. Even if one conscientiously follows these rules, he must always remain on guard. While gambling can be fun, it can also be very addictive.

In a recent study, Harvard Medical School found that 1. Another 4 percent are considered "problem gamblers. Besides addiction, a spiritual problem emerges when a person thinks he can make the quick, easy, big money gambling rather than by simply working hard. Here he accepts great risks that could have dire consequences. Such a condition deteriorates when a person loses money he should use for himself or his family and even accrues greater debt.

Be on guard, because gambling is a prevalent, luring, big business. As of , 37 states and the District of Columbia sponsored lotteries, and 26 states have legalized some form of casino gambling.

According to the U. People waste money on all sorts of activities. At the same time, the fact that money is wasted on other things does not justify gambling. Money should not be wasted. Excess money should be saved for future needs or given to the Lord's work, not gambled away. Joshua cast lots to determine the allotment of land to the various tribes. Nehemiah cast lots to determine who would live inside the walls of Jerusalem. The apostles cast lots to determine the replacement for Judas.

Many people claim to be playing the lottery or gambling so that they can give the money to the church or to some other good cause. While this may be a good motive, reality is that few use gambling winnings for godly purposes. READ: 10 things the bible says about alcohol.

Would God be honored by receiving donated drug money or money stolen in a bank robbery? Of course not. We would love to hear what you think about the content on Pulse. Hebrews Luke Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.

Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. Mark Matthew Philippians Proverbs Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.

Sandra Hamer Smith. Emma Danzey. How Long Should a Pastor Preach?